Redoing the Spice Cabinet (and Why I Finally Did It)
For Sunday favorites today, I am sharing one simple thing I’ve been loving lately: redoing the spice cabinet with jars that are just slightly larger than the standard ones. And honestly, it came out of pure holiday chaos.
Over the holidays, when the kids were home, and everyone was cooking and baking at the same time, it felt like we could never find anything. We’d be mid-recipe, convinced we were out of cinnamon or ginger, run to the store to buy it… only to discover later that we already had it. Somewhere. Hidden. Probably in three different containers.
That was my sign to order new jars. At first I was thinking I would replace my spices with Albert Ménès spices available at grocery stores all over France. I always liked the size of the jar, but slightly impractical and unneccary to buy all new spices and bring them home.
The jars I found are similar shape, and even slightly larger in size and opening, making them even more practical. Using the teaspoon set I have from Williams Sonoma, I can insert up to a 1/2 teaspoon into the jar. It would be better if I swapped for this spice jar set.(But I probably won’t).
The slightly larger jars mean an entire grocery-store spice fits in one container—no leftovers, no duplicates, no mystery jars lurking in the back. There’s also enough room to easily dip in a teaspoon or half teaspoon, which makes cooking feel calmer and more efficient.
I paired the jars with a label set that includes just about every spice you could imagine, so everything is easy to spot at a glance. No digging, no guessing, and no buying duplicates. The label set comes with little date stickers. I write the date when I first open a bottle. I usually replace my spices after a year or maybe 18 months at the most.
6-ounce jars // spice label set // shelf risers
It’s one of those small, practical changes that has made the kitchen feel more organized and more enjoyable—especially when there are a lot of hands cooking at once. I can hardly wait for the kids to come home and cook and bake in our kitchen again!
A few more favorites of things I’m loving right now!
Caraway Home
Along with our spice cabinet revamp, our nonstick pans needed to be replaced desperately. Have you heard of the Teflon flu? Caraway Home is on a mission to raise the standards of what you cook with! No toxins, and no forever chemicals. They come with a warranty that takes a minute or less to complete.
We tested them out first making scrambled eggs and then panko crusted chicken and both the eggs and the chicken cooked beautifully, but also the clean up was so easy!
We chose the Caraway Home Fry Pan Duo which incudes the two most popular sizes. The 8″ and a 10.5″ fry pans. They can be used on all types of cooktops, and clean up is a breeze. The pans can go from stovetop to oven up to 550ºf. They come in eight colors. I went with cream and they are really beautiful. They come in boxes that make them the perfect gift. Of course they have other cookware, bakeware and food storage as well.
Naboso
Ignite NeuroBall + Recovery Crew Socks by Neboso
This little ball has become one of my favorite everyday fitness tools. I use the Ignite NeuroBall at home and always bring it with me when I travel—it’s small but powerful. Rolling it under my feet feels amazing, especially after long days, and the cooling therapy helps calm inflammation and ease soreness. I’ve also been loving Neboso’s Recovery Crew Socks. Both have easily worked their way into my daily routine.
You can watch this video to see it in use.
Digital Photo Booth
I saw My Sketch Booth on Instagram and knew I had to try it! It’s for anyone that loves the idea of a Photo Booth, but maybe at the comfort of home! How perfect is that? I made two strips and turned them into a birthday card!
Trackstar Show on Instagram
If you need something to smile about lately, take a look at @trackstarshow! The show features Jack Coyne challenging pedestrians and celebrities to name the artist of a song snippet on the streets of New York. It has evolved into a popular music discovery platform, featuring guests like Drew Barrymore, Brandi Carlile, Ken Burns, Ethan Hawk, Maya Rudolph…I could go on. But 5 minutes of this, and I’m a much happier person.
Let’s see what Mary Ann and Cindy found this week!
Classic Casual Home
Read Mary Ann’s Sunday post here.
Cindy Hattersley Design
Read Cindy’s Sunday post here.
Bravo for the spice cabinet makeover!!! We definitely need to do this!! I can’t ever find anything…plus the expiration date is a good idea.
One tip that helps me with my herbs and spices, is to keep my baking spices in the cabinet with the baking goods – flour, sugar, etc. I have a couple of clear narrow rectangular bins. I just lift the whole thing out. I have two, one has extracts, sprinkles, and such.
I have a riser, to organize my spices too. The most used ones in front, the least used ones in back. I still have a hard time knowing what’s on the back riser, and getting it out without having to move the bottles in front.
Lisa! That is so smart to keep baking spices with baking goods. I have never thought about that! I’m trying to keep them alphabetical…but you know that won’t last long! haha
I just love your stye and taste. Found your striped t-shirt blog. Love it. Love those iced candles. You’re so creative.
Oh thank you so much Sandra!! I loved your stripe tee and denim the other day! My uniform most days lately! xx
Annie! The Photo Booth is sooo fun! Also, your spices … I have spice cabinet envy. I must have three – or more – cinnamon jars in my cabinet right now. Oof. xo
Juliet, I used Canva and two photo booth stips to make a 30th birthday card for Madeline’s fiancé. It’s so fun!!
Hi Annie
I need to organize my spice drawer too. Those bottles would not fit in my drawer but just having everything the same size makes total sense!
Hi Annie,
“This Little Light of Mine” was sung by our congregation this morning as the children “went forward” for their mini – sermon. Your iced candle holders complete the metaphor in an inspirational way. May we each carry the “light” into. this present darkness.
Hugs, Diney
Oh Diney! That’s beautiful! You are so right…we must each carry the light into the darkness! xx
Love your new spice jars and the cute lids! It must feel so calming to open the cupboard to that pretty organization ! I keep mine in alphabetical order and love it for so many reasons, including no duplicates ever!
Stefanie, you know that feeling when you clean and organize your pantry and then come home from the grocery store and what a joy it is to open your cabinet and know exactly where everything goes…same with spices! And they have to be alphabetical, right? xx
Annie, I love your new spice cabinet! We did this a few years ago when we remodeled the kitchen. I won’t lie, sometimes we still can’t find the spices.
I did do what one the of the comments above suggested, my baking spices are on my side of the kitchen by my flour, sugar and other baking supplies. I never run out because I am the only one baking.
I’ve never heard of Photo Booth, I will have to give it a try.
Have a wonderful week!
Hi Elizabeth! I think if you have space for more than one spice cabinet, it’s a great idea. Alhtough I’m wondering, does it get confusing with crossover spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger etc?
Hi Annie,
Congratulations on organizing your spice rack. What a big job, you are so organized now.
My hubs did this years ago. I also mark on the bottom best used by and the day/year I start using the spice. When spices are all over the place it drives you crazy.
HI Katherine! Yes, it makes cooking and baking more fun! I like the idea a sticker adding the day/year when you start using the spice!